Page 90 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“No, thank you.” I plaster on a fake smile. I don’t even know why I bother with it. I don’t care if either one of them knows how angry I am. “I can see you’re busy too.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” The woman places a hand over her chest. “I’m Edith. Archer and I go way back.” She strides across the room to shake my hand.

“I’m Paloma.”

“Archer’s wife. I know.” She lets out a sexy laugh. “I’m still stunned. I never thought I’d see the day. You two make a beautiful couple.”

“It’s nice to meet one of Archer’s good friends. But please, continue with your conversation. I was just leaving.” I face Mary Jane. “I hate driving in the city. Maybe someone can give me a ride to the train station. I can take it from there.” I turn toward the door and run straight into Archer’s chest.

“Edith, could you wait for me in the study?” Archer grips my upper arm.

“Sure, no problem.” A very confused Edith strides toward the other room.

As usual, poor Mary Jane knows when to make a quick exit without being told.

“I’ll ask again. Where are you going?” His gaze bores into mine.

“I’m going to see Dad.” I jerk my arm to free it, but he holds on tighter. Why is he angry at me? I’m not the one parading all over the grounds with some gorgeous old friend, who looks like she wants to be more than friends. “If you can visit with ex-girlfriends, why can’t I go see Dad?”

“Because your father is…because he lives an hour away,” he says through gritted teeth

He ignores my whole comment about the ex-girlfriend. Why? Because it’s the truth? Edith looked way too comfortable hanging from his arm. And that hug and kiss she gave him? That’s something I don’t even get to do with him. The only time I’m allowed to touch him is when we’re sleeping in bed.

“You can’t keep me here. I’m not your prisoner.” I glare at him.

“Your contract says otherwise.” He lets go of my arm to wrap his arms around my waist. His whole body is wound up so tight, he’s barely breathing. “Last night you said you were not leaving me.” His hot breath brushes my face.

“Last night, you weren’t in the gardens making out with an ex-girlfriend.” My eyes well with tears.

“You saw that.” He releases a breath, and his embrace softens. “I can explain.”

“I don’t care.” I wedge my arm between us and push at him. “The all-powerful Archer can do whatever he wants, right?” Great, now I sound like my ex.

A smug smile pulls at his lips. “How do you not understand what you are to me?”

“Explain it to me then,” I beg.

“You’re mine. It’s my job to protect you. I need you here, Paloma.” He presses his lips to mine.

I simply melt.

CHAPTER22

THEIR LOVE IS FOREVER

Archer

She kisses me back, and I feel my resolve fade away. I am incapable of saying no to her. Even after I repeatedly told myself I wouldn’t take her virginity, I went and took her simply because she asked me to.

Now she wants more of me. But what she needs, I can’t give. “If I promise to take you to your father this weekend, would you desist on your crazy plan to take the train into the city?” I ask on her lips.

Her eyes go big in surprise. As if she can’t fathom her husband being a reasonable man. Despite how she feels and our contract, she’s not my prisoner. True, I have zero intention of ever letting her go, but I think I can give her this much—a couple of hours with her father.

“That’s all I’m asking.” She beams at me.

“I like it when you smile.” I kiss her lips again, wishing I could take her back upstairs and remind her she’s mine.

Only mine.